XpanD Universal 3D Glasses review

We test a pair of 3D spex designed to work across many brands

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For

Easy to install

Decent comfort and picture quality

Can be worn over spectacles

Upgradeable via dealer

Against

Only work active 3D TVs

No Bluetooth support

Non-rechargeable battery

XpanD has now introduced 3D glasses that can be partnered with infra-red triggered 3D displays from the likes of Panasonic, Samsung, Philips and Toshiba, thereby reducing compatibility issues for 3DTV owners.

If you're going to a 3D party and aren't sure what (older!) TV you'll be watching, these XpanD glasses are good bet-hedgers.

XpanD will be launching a new range (the X104) with support for Bluetooth as well as the radio system favoured by Panasonic.

The Xpand 3D glasses are well-made and are fairly easy to install. A simple programming system, based around a single button and LED, enables you to tell the glasses which TV you're using.

In its set-up mode, the brand is selected cyclically by pressing the button. The number of LED 'flashes' corresponds to a specific TV brand; if it's correct, press nothing for 30 seconds and you're done. Once set, your choice is remembered until you change it.

The picture quality and comfort level are on par with the brands' own glasses in terms of light-attenuation, flicker, separation and so on.

They wrap around existing spectacles and have replaceable nose-pieces (three are supplied).

These are upgradable for new models of TV via a dealer only. Compatibility with Sony, JVC and Sharp wasn't claimed for our sample, but the website now lists these brands.

However, they didn't work with a Samsung UE55D8000. All we could see was a slightly-attenuated 'double-image', because the latest Samsungs use Bluetooth technology (as opposed to infra-red) to trigger the glasses. The upcoming X104 3D specs will have support for Bluetooth 3D TVs.

LG 3D TV owners tale note. They only work with LG's few active 3D TVs. Passive LGs are unsuitable.

Also rather unfortunately, like many other active-shutter glasses, the X103s are powered by a non-rechargeable CR2032 li-ion cell.

XpanD's new battery powered, Universal 3D Glasses are the gateway to stunning theater quality 3D entertainment! We've taken what's acknowledged as best for giant cinema screen and made it available for 3D home entertainment. The XpanD Universal 3D Glasses are the only glasses that can be used at home, in your office and in XpanD movie theaters -- anywhere you go there is a 3D experience to remember.